I am a brand new 700-4 owner as of a few days ago. I have driven it maybe 6 miles and will say I HATE HATE HATE how loud/noisy/rattle this thing is! I can't believe no one else has mentioned this. I bought this as a part time yard work / snow plow /part time cushy ride around the neighborhood and socialize vehicle but there is no way I would want to drive it and carry on a conversation.
It is not all that loud when idling, but even just off idle the doors and anything slightly loose starts shaking and vibrating adding to the noise and as soon as you go faster it is especialy loud when you give it any amount of gas. From slow to about 15 mph it is shaky for lack of a better word. Once it finally shifts to third it gets smoother. Regular cruising though even around 20-30 mph even it is difficult to carry on a conversation. And if you have to step on the gas to go up hill forget talking at all. I started wearing ear protection after the 2nd ride. I could not justify the cost of the 1000 but have just read a few random site reviews that the 1000 is one of the quietest rides in its category and the 700 is one of the loudest.
The cost of the 700 was really over my budget to begin with but If I had the extra change I'd go to the 1000 if it really is a lot quieter. Maybe others here who have ridden both can tel you their opinion on the noise difference. I would say if you can, don't make my mistake and buy one without test driving it first to see if it is tolerable for you.
I agree you should test drive any vehicle before buying it.
I test drove every model Honda and others I could get my hands for ride, steering, and noise back in 2005. I got p-700 because it had best ride, maneuverability, less noise, and plenty power for my tastes, Never had noise problems except loose doors that are easy to tighten up.
Lately been testing other brands and Honda 500, 700, and 1000. 1000 has punch but I don’t need more than 35 mph. The P-700 tows everything I tried including heavy creep feeders.
Something must be really wrong If you cannot hear your rider or need hearing protection.
I did test drive an electric Bad Boy UTV in Natchez MS once. Drove great and could sneak up on a fox. They got bought up and I did not pursue it.